. when the baltimore ravens and cleveland browns take the field tonight the nfl's regular officiating crews will be calling the game. at the stroke of midnight the league and referees ended a three month lockout of the officials. the deal was struck after two days of marathon negotiations and controversial call to the end of monday night's game. after a series of miscalls, run ins with coaches and players, and on field confusion, the nfl referees are heading to the sideline. the league and officials union agreed on a tentative eight year contract that will put the normal officiating crews back on field. goodell said we look forward to having the finest officials in sports back on field. now it's time to put the focus back on the teams and players where it belongs. >> green bay will have a hard time. >> the two sides got serious about the negotiations after monday night's game between the packers and seahawks, a blown call on the last play of the game cost green bay the victory. under the new deal the average pay for the league's refs will rise from $149,000 a year in 2011